Hardy Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs eBook

H. PANICULATA.—­Japan, 1874. This is
one of the most distinct species, in which the flower-heads
are elongated, not flat, as in most other species,
and from which the finest form in cultivation has been
obtained. This is H. paniculata grandiflora, in
which the flowers are sterile and pure white, forming
large panicles often a foot in length. It is
a magnificent variety, and, being perfectly hardy,
should be extensively planted for ornament. The
flowers are produced in late summer, but remain in
good form for fully two months, dying off a rich reddish
hue.

H. QUERCIFOLIA.—­Oak-leaved Hydrangea.
Florida, 1803. This species has neatly lobed
leaves, and terminal panicles of pinky-white, but partially
barren, flowers.

H. SCANDENS.—­Climbing Hydrangea. Japan,
1879. This is not very hardy, but with the protection
of a sunny wall it grows freely.

The Hydrangeas require a rich, loamy soil, and, unless
in maritime districts, a warm and sheltered situation.
They are readily propagated by means of cuttings.

HYMENANTHERA.

HYMENANTHERA CRASSIFOLIA.—­A curious New
Zealand shrub with rigid ashy-coloured branches, and
small leathery leaves. The flowers are violet-like
in colour, but by no means conspicuous. The small
white berries which succeed the flowers are, in autumn,
particularly attractive, and very ornamental.
It is perfectly hardy and of free growth in light
peaty earth.

H. AUREUM.—­South Carolina and Georgia,
1882. This soon forms a neat and handsome plant.
The flowers are unusually large, and remarkable for
the tufts of golden-yellow stamens with which they
are furnished.

H. CALYCINUM.—­Aaron’s Beard, or Rose
of Sharon. South-east Europe. This is a
well-known native species of shrubby growth, bearing
large yellow flowers from 3 inches to 4 inches in
diameter. It is a prostrate plant, with coriaceous
glossy leaves with small pellucid dots, and of great
value for planting in the shade.

H. ELATUM is a spreading species from North America
(1762), growing to fully 4 feet in height, and bearing
terminal corymbs of large, bright yellow flowers in
July and August. Leaves rather large, oblong-ovate,
and revolute. On account of its spreading rapidly
from the root, this species requires to be planted
where it will have plenty of room.

H. HIRCINUM.—­Goat-scented St. John’s
Wort. Mediterranean region, 1640. A small-growing
and slender species, with oblong-lanceolate leaves
2 inches long, and producing small yellow flowers
in terminal heads. There is a smaller growing
form known as H. hircinum minus. The plant emits
a peculiar goat-like odour.